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7 Short Funny Stories for Kids - To Tickle Their Funny Bones
Kids love stories. Stories, in fact, are more than just a fun activity. They play a pivotal role in the overall growth and development of the child, particularly in the cognitive areas. Some of our best childhood days were when our mothers or grandmothers used to tell us a really good story right before bedtime or during meal time. Do the same for your child. Create memories, make precious moments that your child will look back on and remember with warmth.
Short Humorous Stories for Children
Most of us have heard our favourite stories, especially at bedtime.
Here are a few popular stories that you can tell your child -
1. The Hare and the Tortoise
Once upon a time, there was a hare and a tortoise. They lived in a huge jungle, with other animals like tigers, elephants, deer, and crocodiles. The hare was very fast on his feet. He took part in many races, and always came first, no matter who the opponent was. Over time, his constant victory turned him into a very proud hare. He began to put in lesser effort in the races he took part in because he was winning them all anyway. Now, in the same forest, was a wise tortoise. Unlike the hare, the tortoise was extremely slow. In fact, he was one of the slowest animals in the jungle. He kept observing the hare, and he saw that the hare’s success was getting to his head. So he decided to teach the hare a lesson. He called all the animals of the jungle, including the hare, and openly challenged the hare to the race. When the animals heard this, they all began to laugh. Animals that were faster than the tortoise had lost to the hare. How was the tortoise, which was the slowest animal in the jungle, going to defeat the hare? But they all were curious, and the hare loved a challenge. So he accepted it.
The next day, the hare and the tortoise were all set to begin the race.“On your mark, get ready, and GO!” The monkey of the jungle said, waving a white flag.
The hare took off immediately. The hare kept running and had already covered a distance, but the tortoise was still barely across the starting line. After a while, the hare stopped running and thought to himself. The tortoise was going to take forever to reach the end of the race. It was obvious that the tortoise was going to lose. So the hare decided to take a short nap.
He found a shady, comfortable spot and fell asleep. Meanwhile, the tortoise never gave up. He kept running. By the end of the day, to everyone’s surprise, the tortoise was the winner!
The hare, because of his pride and overconfidence, had lost the race. The moral of this story is, slow and steady wins the race.
2. The Lion and the Rabbit
Once upon a time, there was a proud, evil lion. He said he was the king of the jungle. Every day, he would mercilessly go hunting and kill many animals for his food. Soon, all the animals were worried. They held a meeting and decided that if the lion continues to do this, then no animal will survive. So, they approached the lion and told him a proposal. Each day, they said, they would send one animal to the lion's den. This way, the rest of the animals for that day will be at peace, and the lion would not need to go hunting. The lion liked the plan. So from the next day, the lion would wait in his den while the others sent an animal for his meal. This happened for many days. Finally, it was the turn of a very old but wise rabbit. He was forced to be the meal of the day for the lion. He decided to put an end to this. So, he took a longer route and made sure he got to the lion's den very late.
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The hungry lion who was angry roared at the rabbit and asked him why he was late. The rabbit then told him that he was late because another stronger lion was chasing him. He told the lion that the stronger lion claimed to be the king of the jungle. When the lion heard this, he was furious. He asked the rabbit to show him where the other lion was. The rabbit took the lion to a well. He pointed inside and told the lion that the other lion was inside.
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When the lion looked in, he saw his own reflection but thought it was another lion. He roared in anger, and the reflection did the same. Brimming with anger, the lion jumped into the well to fight with the other lion but ended up falling to his death because of his stupidity. The moral of this story is that sometimes, intelligence is more important than physical strength.
3. The Thirsty Crow
Once there was a crow. It was a hot day, and the crow was extremely thirsty. He kept flying around, looking for some water. After a very long time, he finally found a jar of water. With great happiness, he flew to the jar to drink the water. But when he tried to put his head into the jar, he realised it was too narrow. He tried to tilt the put, but it was too heavy. Sad and frustrated, he kept thinking. Finally, he saw pebbles on the ground. He had an idea.
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One by one, he put the pebbles into the jar. The water level slowly rose, and the crow could drink the water.
4. The Boy who Cried Wolf
Once upon a time, there was a very naughty shepherd boy. He would take his sheep for grazing, then climb up a tree, and shout for help, claiming that a wolf was attacking his sheep.
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Every time this happened, the farmers and other men would come to rescue him and his flock. But once they saw he was lying, they would leave angrily. Then, the boy would laugh. This went on for a long time, but one day, a wolf really came and attacked his sheep. But this time nobody heard him or offered to help him because they did not believe him anymore.
5. The Crocodile and the Monkey
Once there was a monkey. He lived on a berry tree. One day, a crocodile came near the banks of the river where the tree was located. The monkey felt bad for the tired and hungry crocodile and gave him some berries. Soon, they became good friends. Every day the monkey would give the crocodile berries. One day it so happened that the monkey gave him some extra berries to take home for his wife. When the crocodile took the berries to his wife, she loved it. But she was a very mean crocodile. She told her husband that she wanted the monkey's heart which will be much sweeter than the berries. So the next day the crocodile went to the monkey and said his wife had invited him home for dinner. Happily, the monkey agreed.
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But when they got to the middle of the river, the foolish crocodile told him the truth, that his wife wants to heat the monkey's heart for dinner. The monkey was smart, so he quickly told him that he had left his heart in the berry tree, so he had to go get it. Happily, the crocodile agreed. But when they got to the banks, the monkey jumped to the highest branch and saved himself. He then told the crocodile that he would never trust him again. The foolish crocodile was sad, and he had to go home to his evil wife without the monkey's heart.
6. Hansel and Gretel
Once there were two siblings. The boy was named Hansel, and the girl was Gretel. Their mother died, but they lived with their father. Even though they were poor, they were very happy. But one day the father married again. His new wife was a very evil woman. She told her husband that they should leave the kids in the forest because they can't afford to feed them. The father refused at first but eventually agreed. So the next night, the parents took Hansel and Gretel to the forest. However, Hansel knew of their plan because he had heard them. So, he had collected white pebbles that he threw along the way. The evil stepmom after walking for a distance left the kids in the forest and got home with the father. But Hansel and Gretel found their way back home following the white pebbles trail. The next day, the evil stepmom decided to do this again. But she didn't let Hansel collect any pebbles. Since they had no time, they couldn't find their way back, and they were truly lost. Hansel and Gretel kept walking, but they were tired and hungry. Suddenly, they saw a beautiful gingerbread house.
Excited and happy they started eating it. Then, an old lady came to them saying that she would take care of them. Hansel and Gretel were happy, but they didn't know that she was a witch. She put Hansel in a cage and started making him fat, so she could eat him. And she made Gretel do all her household chores. One day, she decided it was time to eat Hansel. She asked Gretel to make the fire hot. Gretel had to think fast. She thought of a brilliant plan to save her brother. When the fire was hot, she called the witch and asked her to check. But when the witch was doing that, she pushed the witch into the fire. This way she saved her brother. They two siblings escaped and lived happily ever after.
7. Two Cats and the Monkey
One day two cats found a piece of bread. But they kept fighting for it. The first cat said it was his, but the second cat refused and claimed it to be his. A clever monkey that was walking their way decided to help them. He took the bread and told them that he would split it in half and share it equally with them. The cats agreed. But when he did this, one piece was bigger than the other. So he took a bite to make it equal. But this time, the other piece was bigger. This went on for a while. He kept taking a bite off from each bread to make sure it was the same size. However, in the end, he ate up the whole bread. The angry cats asked him why he did that, and the clever monkey replied saying that if they had dealt with the problem on their own, this wouldn't have happened, but since they were stupid and could not do that, they both lost what they could have. The happy monkey went home while the two cats remained hungry.
Stories go way back. Storytelling for some is an art, and for others, it's a tradition. For ages, people have been telling stories to their children. These are a few of the most popular stories for children. Your child will love them. Make sure you tell him or her these stories. Stories can enhance a child's imagination and creativity. It can also increase the child's vocabulary. Most of these stories come with a moral. This helps your child learn values so he or she can choose between right and wrong. Stories do a lot more than mere entertainment. So go ahead and incorporate the habit of listening to stories.
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Effective Tips to Deal With When Baby Only Wants Mom
Having a new baby is an exciting and nerve-wracking time for parents and everyone involved. Babies can be demanding, hard to read, and cranky at times, making it more stressful for parents. It can be significantly harder on the dads when babies only prefer their moms. It is quite normal for them to do so as the mother is their biological source of nourishment. While it’s a common occurrence in breastfed babies, bottle-fed babies would also prefer their mothers most of the time. So why does this happen, and how to deal with it? Continue reading to find out.
Why Do Babies Only Want Mom?
Regardless of how good either of the parents is in parenting, babies are biologically inclined to be more attached to the mothers. The main reason is that nourishment-only mothers can feed the babies, and it is critical for the babies to stick around their mothers when they feel like feeding. Babies are also more familiar with their mothers as they are used to hearing their voices from the stage of being a fetus. Babies are also quite good at recognizing their mothers from other women through smell. It is thought that a preference for mothers in infancy is essential as a matter of survival.
At What Age Do Babies Want Their Moms Only?
It is commonly seen that breastfed baby only wants a mom during the early months of infancy. This is when babies need all the nourishment they can get and hence spend most if not all the time with their moms. Even bottle-fed babies have a higher preference for mom over dads.
Valuable Tips to Deal With the Situation When Baby Only Wants Mom
It can be difficult for many dads to not get their baby-time, especially during early infancy. Here are some valuable tips for dealing with such a situation:
1. Understand That It Is Completely Normal
Most parents experience this phase during infancy. Because of the familiarity, the baby will need time to let go of their clinginess to their mother. As they grow, they begin to explore the world around them and get accustomed to the scent of the father and the rest of the family members. The baby’s reluctance has nothing to do with ‘not taking a liking towards the father’; it is only a survival instinct to stick to the mother, and it is entirely normal. Some babies are also more comfortable being in the arms of their fathers at an early age.
2. Be Patient
The baby is not going to stay clingy to the mother forever. As their world starts to expand, the first person they will be interested in is the only other person they are most familiar with- dad. Until that happens, it is essential that both the parents stay patient and take it at a slow pace. The dads will have to resist the urge to scoop the baby out of the mom’s arms and take it one step at a time. They can start holding the baby when they are fast asleep to get them used to the ‘feel’ of dad over the first few months.
3. Start the Transition
It’s normal if the baby only wants a mom for three months as they still spend most of their time sleeping and feeding; this is when they need their moms the most. As they grow older and start interacting with other people, it’s time to get them accustomed to being held by dad. This also means that the mother should resist running to the baby every time they are uncomfortable being held by the dad. Allow them to cry, and self soothe or give the dad a chance to soothe the baby and bond.
4. Get the Timing Right
Babies are naturally happy during certain times of the day- for some babies, it maybe it the morning after a good night’s sleep and some right after a meal. Dads need to take advantage of these good times to pick up their babies and bond with them. Cranky hours such as evenings or late nights when tired and exhausted should be avoided as they are more likely to get upset. Have a ‘daddy hour’ during weekends where the dad gets to hold and play or take the baby to the park accompanied by the mom.
5. Involve Dads Into Activities the Baby Likes
As babies get older, they would love to go outside to see all the curious things around them. Even the fussiest babies will have an activity that calms them down or distracts them from crying. Allow the dad to take the baby for a stroll and continue even if they are annoyed the first time. Another routine activity, such as feeding, can also become a good time for the dad to bond. Express some breastmilk into a bottle to allow him to bottle-feed the baby. This can be an important message that feeding is not exclusive to the mom to the baby.
6. Hold Baby With Mom’s Shirt
Babies are comforted by the scent of their mothers, along with the sound of their voice and their touch. During one of the bonding exercises, let the dad hold the baby swaddled in one of the mom’s shirts. Since clothes absorb the scent of our bodies and the sweat, mom's scent can keep the baby calm as dad gets his bonding time.
7. Make the Baby Laugh
Bonding requires spending a lot of time together and generating positive emotions. Therefore the more the dad is around when the baby is happy, the better they can bond. One of the best ways to generate positive emotions is to make the baby laugh at every opportunity. Luckily it is easy to make babies laugh as they respond positively to a number of visual stimuli such as toys and games such as peek-a-boo.
8. Utilize Sleep Time
It’s understandable that the baby only wants to sleep with the mom; however, dads can sneak in once the baby is in a deep sleep and have them by their side. Babies will eventually get used to the dad’s scent and do not fuss when held at other times. Dads can also participate in the sleep time routine to build familiarity with the baby. The dad must be present at these times, along with the mom.
9. Stay Persistent
Parents often get discouraged when the baby cries too much or shrieks every time the dad holds them. The secret to winning the infant over his persistence. Dads will have to find their opportunity to bond, and moms will have to give up the baby and fight the instinct to run to them every time they cry. Babies are naturally inclined to stay with mom the longest, and they need to learn how to bond with others. By staying patient and persistent, dads can build trust with the baby.
10. Have Mom Run Errands With Dad at the Helm
As the baby gets accustomed to dad, practice alone time by having mom away for some time. This exercise is great for the dads, but moms also get alone away from home. Start by staying away from the baby in the next room and slowly expand the radius every day. The mission is accomplished once the baby can spend a few hours with dad!
It is usual for the baby to want to spend time with their mom. Dads will have to be patient and work their way into the baby's comfort zone to build a bond. By being patient and persistent in their efforts over the months' dads can successfully bond with the baby.
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Choosing an Online Bank - 6 Things You Need to Look for
In today’s day and age when every one of us is simply scrambling for time, we love anything convenient, don’t we? Banking being one of the functions that we are constantly dependent on, it’s great that all we need today is a smartphone and a working internet connection to take care of money matters. Taking this one step further are online banks, which basically carry out banking functions entirely over the Internet, eliminating the need for a physical bank altogether. These six features should help out when you’re trying to choose the right online bank for yourself.
Here’s How Using an Online-Only Bank Will Benefit You
Why should you consider online-only banks when there are plenty of other options you can choose from? Well, these benefits might convince you!
1) The convenience factor plays a major role. You’re able to get a whole lot of bank-related work done by sitting right where you are!
2) It’s time-saving in different ways - by eliminating the need for a middle person to facilitate your transactions, avoiding having to go to a physical branch, do various things like pay bills, transfer funds and so on in a single place.
3) They tend to provide higher interest rates on savings accounts. Given that online-only banks have comparatively lesser overheads to pay for, they can offer better interest rates than most traditional banks can. In the same way, they’re also able to charge lower fees, which make it attractive to banking customers.
6 Things to Keep in Mind While Choosing an Online Bank
Since this concept is entirely new in the Indian context, it’s only natural that you’ll have your fair share of doubts on how to choose the right online bank. The following factors can help you make the right choice.
1. Check if your bank is insured.
Just like traditional banks, it’s essential that online-only banks are also insured up to a particular limit so that some amount of money can be recovered in case there is a slump or major losses. For Indian banks, the governing body is the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation, a subsidiary of the RBI.
2. Ensure that the bank’s safety standards are high.
Online banking does come with its fair share of concerns - OTPs need to be keyed in and not shared with anyone; hackers are a common problem; you’ve heard of them all! In such a situation, it’s helpful when the bank takes enough measures to eliminate the need for manual safety-checks every single time. digibank by DBS (awarded with the title ‘Safest Bank in Asia’), with its dynamic inbuilt security feature, removes the need for OTPs altogether. Authentication happens securely and automatically every time you carry out a financial transaction, and external parties won’t be able to get to your hard-earned money!
3. Ensure that your bank has ATMs that you can access.
Your bank may be online, but there sure will be times that you’ll need some cash in hand! It’s essential to check whether the bank you’re choosing has a strong ATM network, which will make it easier to access some money whenever you need. You should never be too far away from your own money!
4. Check whether the bank has services online as well as on the mobile.
We all know that it’s our smartphones more than our desktops or laptops that we use to get everything done! The services that your bank provides should be just as accessible on your phones as they will be on other systems. This shows that you can pretty much carry your bank with you to use anytime, anywhere!
5. Go paperless.
One of the biggest disadvantages of modern-day conveniences is how they’ve managed to affect the environment negatively. While our lives are getting easier, the hassles faced by Mother Nature also needs to reduce. Enter paperless banking, a win-win situation for banking customers and as well the environment. Not only are you spared of filling out endless forms, resulting in improved productivity and more time saved, you’re also reducing tons of paper waste! For example, with digibank, you can open up a digiSavings account by merely logging in to the app available on the play store or app store. Enter in all your details, provide authentication by either verifying with an SMS OTP or by going to a partner store/agent. Time to do away with the piles of papers and signatures that are required to open up a bank account and simply opt for paperless banking!
6. Check for the services provided by the bank.
Look out for different offers, facilities, and features like e-wallets and budget optimisers provided by the bank, which will get you brilliant deals to save some extra cash. Another feature to look out for is whether your bank offers zero balance savings accounts. If your bank provides opportunities to help you achieve your investment goals or offers attractive insurance policies, that’s another plus right there. Also, a 24x7 customer support would be of utmost importance, so that you can clarify any queries or address any issues that you face while banking, even at odd hours. Various features like these are what will make your banking experiences fun and different from traditional banking.
Banking should be a function that provides you with security and peace, not something that drives you up the wall every day with too many complications. So, step into the world of online-only banking with DBS Bank, India’s first and only online bank. Convenience, security, and returns aside, you’ll be experiencing the banking world of the future!
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Consuming Green Tea during Pregnancy
During pregnancy, doctors recommend that women drink enough water and other fluids that are beneficial. Water helps in the proper formation of the all-important placenta and amniotic fluid, for which pregnant women should drink at least 8 to 12 glasses of water every day. At the same time, avoiding caffeinated drinks like coffee is equally important since caffeine leads to dehydration and could negate the positive effects of drinking water.
Green tea is a product of the leaves of the Camelia Sinensis plant and boasts of a mild and earthy flavour. It is highly regarded as a health drink due to the high amounts of antioxidants in it.
Is Green Tea Safe During Pregnancy?
If you love green tea, you will most likely ask, "is green tea good in pregnancy?" Well, just like any food item or beverage, if consumed beyond the recommended levels, green tea can also prove to be harmful. If you practice moderation, green tea is a fine stimulant when you are pregnant. Two cups of green tea a day is considered safe when you are expecting.
Is green tea dangerous for pregnant women? In some cases. Green tea has the potential to reduce the level of folic acid or folate in your body, and hence should be avoided in the first trimester. Even during the second and third trimesters, the intake of green tea should not exceed two cups in a day, so that you and your baby are safe.
Note: Remember that green tea is not a herbal tea and does contain caffeine, though in much smaller amounts than coffee. An 8-ounce cup of green tea (236 ml) typically contains about 25-45 mg of caffeine, depending on the brewing strength, while the same amount of coffee can contain 95-200 mg of caffeine.
Does Green Tea Increase the Chances of Getting Pregnant?
Is green tea good for fertility? Numerous men and women who are keen to start a family ask this question to their doctor, and the answer is an emphatic yes. Green tea contains important compounds that have fertility-boosting properties:
Vitamin C: Due to its ability to curtail the oxidative harm to the reproductive cells, vitamin C plays a vital role in reigning in the harmful free radicals in the body. Many clinical studies have been conducted in this area. Does green tea help you get pregnant? Well, the results have shown that the chances improve dramatically.
Antioxidants: Green tea extracts produce antioxidants in abundance. Their primary purpose is to prevent the oxidative destruction of the reproductive tract cells and to destroy free radicals. This plays a positive role in preparing your body for pregnancy.
Minerals: Green tea leaves are packed with essential minerals like zinc, manganese, chromium, and selenium in varying quantities. In females, these minerals help in improving egg viability, and in males, they enhance sperm count and motility. As a to-be-mother or an aspiring one, you will have many doubts like, “Can green tea prevent pregnancy?” - this should put them to rest.
So will green tea help to get pregnant? Surely! The combined and synergistic effects of the natural and organic compounds in green tea improve the probability of getting pregnant, along with providing many other health benefits.
Benefits of Green Tea for Pregnant Women
Is green tea healthy for pregnancy? As mentioned above, it is - there are loads of benefits that a cup of green tea can impart during pregnancy, and drinking a cup or two in a day is considered safe. Here are the prominent benefits you should know as a mother-to-be:
A serious complication known as preeclampsia can develop in pregnant women who suffer from hypertension, and this can be dangerous for the pregnancy. Green tea can regulate blood pressure efficiently, which is beneficial for pregnant women.
Green tea is a powerful source of antioxidants that prevent free radicals from destroying vital cells in the body. Diseases like cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, etc., can be averted by adding antioxidants to your diet.
The antioxidants in green tea are useful in speeding up the body’s metabolism rate which can help in countering pregnancy-related mood swings. According to clinical studies, green tea can enhance regulatory T-cells in the body that are responsible for keeping your immune system robust and strong. This way, you can fight off illnesses during pregnancy.
Indigestion and stomach ailments are common during pregnancy. Green tea can help by easing your digestion.
Studies have also indicated that green tea can promote oral health and enhance bone strength. Pregnant women may suffer from gingivitis due to fluctuating hormone levels. Green tea can ease this.
Risks of Having Green Tea While Pregnant
There are a few green tea side-effects during pregnancy, and you should be aware of them before consuming it. It is always better to consult your doctor or gynaecologist, especially if you like green tea and would want to continue drinking it during pregnancy.
Drinking green tea while pregnant can hamper the absorption of iron by the blood cells. Iron is needed for the production of haemoglobin. This can become one of the reasons for gestational anaemia, where the nutrient and oxygen intake of the body get hampered.
Folic acid plays a critical role in averting neural defects in the baby, and hence, its intake during pregnancy is necessary. Overconsumption of green tea hampers the absorption process of folic acid, which could lead to a congenital defect of the spinal cord known as spina bifida. Folic acid is essential for your body during the first 12 weeks of the pregnancy, and hence, green tea should be avoided during this period.
How Much Green Tea to Consume During Pregnancy
Pregnant women are often plagued by worrying thoughts about eating and drinking their regular foods. During pregnancy, it is best to limit the consumption of green tea and other caffeine-based drinks to less than 200 mg per day, which can be roughly translated to about two cups every day. Apart from green tea, make sure you add up your daily intake of chocolate, soft drinks, coffee or energy drinks which should remain well below 200 mg.
What Herbal Teas Are Safe to Have?
Herbal teas are made from various parts of a plant rather than the tea plant itself, and these parts include roots, flowers, seeds, fruits, and leaves. They help hydrate the body. Rooibos tea is good for pregnant women due to its antioxidant properties and it is caffeine-free too. Herbal teas like ginger and mint help in reducing morning sickness symptoms, while chamomile can ensure you get a good night’s sleep by acting on insomnia. Red raspberry leaf tea promotes better labour contractions. Discuss with your doctor before consuming any herbal tea to ascertain its safety for you and your baby.
It's best to remember some important tips when consuming green tea (or any caffeinated beverage) during pregnancy:
Ensure that the green tea you purchase is of excellent quality. Adulterated green tea can be extremely harmful to you and the baby.
Do not go beyond two cups of green tea a day.
Consult your doctor before introducing anything new in your diet.
It is always best to listen to your own body. Your daily cup of green tea may have effects - positive or negative - that only you can experience. If it is causing sleepless nights or ruining your appetite or putting you on tenterhooks, it is best to speak to your doctor and voice these concerns. If you drink green tea while expecting, make sure you follow the above precautions and guidelines to ensure it is beneficial for you at this sensitive time.
Resources and References: Healthline
Also Read: Herbal Teas During Pregnancy – Which are Safe? Read more
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Eating Milestone For Babies
Take a quick look at the eating milestone of your baby by the way of this article. In addition, find out the right time to wean off your baby, as he progresses from bottle or breast to semi solid foods and then to solids.
It is perfectly fine for a newborn baby to survive on breastfeed or bottle feed, especially during the initial weeks. As he grows, his palate needs to be widened. Beginning with the introduction of water, he will move onto soups and semi-solids, and by the end of his first year, he might well be feeding himself, though clumsily. Take a look at a baby’s eating milestones:
Water First
Water should be introduced only after the baby is six months old. Before it, his stomach is small and he needs to stock up on nutrients from breast feed or his bottle. Between 6-8 months, he will learn to drink from a cup held by someone else.
Starting Solids
4 -7 months is seen as the ideal age to introduce solids. This is the time when babies begin to give up the “tongue-thrust reflex”. It's a reflux which makes it difficult for them to eat, but it may help them suck. However, if you have been exclusively breastfeeding your baby, you might like to wait for 3 more months before you bring in the solids.
Past The Puree
Purees and mashed foods are the first step towards eating solids. Babies take time making this progression, and it should be introduced using a gradual step-by-step process : from soups to purees to chunkier solids. You do not need to wait for their teeth to come – they are good at chewing soft solid foods like rice and lentils using their gums. By 8 months, your baby will have learnt to chew by moving food in his mouth with his tongue.
Onto The High Chair And Using Spoons
As soon as the baby can hold his head and neck, and can sit with support, he can be put in a high chair. He might just like sitting on the high-chair even though he might have a long way to go before he starts to feed himself.
Finger Foods
Between 7 and 11 months, the baby is ready to try finger foods. He will indicate his readiness by trying to grab food from you. He will enjoy trying out soft food items like carrots, pasta and chicken cut into bite-sized pieces. By the time he’s 11 months old, he should have learnt to use his fingers to pick up food rather than raking it with his hand.
Allergen Foods
Some doctors say high allergenic foods should be introduced only after your baby turns into a toddler. However, if you have no family history of food allergies, you can try foods like soft boiled egg or fish even earlier.
You Might Consider Help if Your Baby
Throws up frequently or seems in pain.
Has chronic diarrhea or constipation.
Finds it tough to chew food and relies heavily on purees.
Habitually keeps food in his mouth for long periods.
Has an allergic skin reaction to some foods.
The progression to solids is a gradual one. Do not be in a hurry to introduce new foods. Allow the baby to take his time to learn to enjoy and savour new textures and flavours. Read more
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What You Must Check About Your Baby's Diaper Material
It never ceases to surprise us how cute babies manage to look wearing only diapers all day! The diaper is your baby’s constant companion for several months after his birth and this is why you ensure he gets only the best. You have checked the date of manufacture, the packaging, and felt the softness of the material. But there is another very critical thing that you need to ensure. It is this check that can keep your baby safe and away from any skin or overall health problems in the coming days.
Disposable diapers rank among the most thoughtful and practical inventions of all times. Can you imagine life without a diaper? Your baby would never be dry and comfortable and you wouldn’t get even a wink of sleep or rest! Supermarket aisles abound in parents hoarding diapers and they occupy shelf after shelf in your cupboard back home. The very fact that a diaper is your most used baby product necessitates closer inspection.
Here’s What You Need to Make Sure Before Letting Your Baby Use a Certain Diaper
1. Ultra-Soft Material
Babies have extremely sensitive skin. In fact, research has proven that a baby’s skin is way thinner and more susceptible to infection and dryness than an adult’s skin. Since your baby is going to experience skin-to-skin contact with a diaper throughout the day, it is crucial that you only expose him to safe, lab-tested material. Not doing this could mean a cranky baby, a diaper rash, or worse, a skin infection! Huggies diaper-pants, for instance, use ultrasoft material in their products. This means your darling feels no irritation at all.
2. No Harmful Chemicals
One of the biggest reasons behind skin irritation for babies is exposure to chemicals. Your baby is too young and its skin too gentle to handle any harsh contact. Several products in the market, such as anti-bacterial soaps, use a chemical called triclosan. But remember this, what may be perfectly acceptable for adults can turn out to be very dangerous for babies. You should look at a diaper that doesn’t contain any such questionable chemicals. Consult with your paediatrician on this if in doubt. ||
3. Good, But Safe, Absorbency
It goes without saying that a good diaper needs to absorb well. That’s the whole point, right? Yes, but good absorption should also mean that the material the nappy uses to soak is safe. In a Huggies diaper, the padded area contains a polyacrylate crystal combined with wood pulp. This turns liquid into gel and prevents leakage. But here’s the best part - this gel material is totally safe and does not harm your baby in any way.
That said, you should also check the diaper’s design before purchasing. While this may seem unbelievable, boys and girls actually need different diapers. This is because boys wet the front region of their diapers more but for girls, the concentration of urine is in the central region. So, you need to make sure that the extra dry layer is positioned accordingly.
So mommy, have you checked your baby’s diaper yet? Don’t let anything come in the way of your baby’s health and safety, even if that means being slightly obsessive about this. As moms, you know there’s nothing that gives more joy than a well fed and comfortable baby! Read more
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8 hours ago
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